Greener Home for a Green Light Budget

June 19, 2018

You want to renovate your home but you still don’t know where to begin and how to organize your project? Luckily, we are here to guide you along the path and help you figure out your own unique home design. Additionally, more and more homeowners are looking to invest in eco-friendly home improvement options and sustainable energy sources. Therefore, in order to assist you in designing your ideal green home on a budget, we have singled out our top guidelines for you to consider. Let’s take a look and roll up our sleeves.

Green lighting

First things first, you need to reduce the amount of energy generated by your regular bulbs so that you can protect the environment without harming your wallet. For example, the most common option is to switch to LED lights since they emit less heat and have a longer lifespan than incandescent ones. Apart from making your home more energy-efficient, you can boost its aesthetic appeal by opting for some ambient lighting like chic standing lamps, backlit panels, or fancy neon strips. Lastly, don’t forget to pull the blinds apart during the day and let the healing power of natural sunlight in.

Go for sustainable materials

Another key point that you have to take into consideration is to use only sustainable lumber and building materials. For example, bamboo and beech are among the favourite options for green furniture construction, since they are lightweight and extremely durable. Additionally, when it comes to flooring, make sure to go for cedar since it is moisture-resistant and wards off insects. Lastly, by applying eco-friendly low-VOC paint to your furniture, you will end up with a stunning product that can match even rare Brazilian Rosewood.

Renewable energy sources

Creating a green home is impossible without renewable energy sources. Therefore, make sure to follow the footsteps of satisfied homeowners who have made this transition and started using energy sources like solar power, wind or even water for powering their household. For example, if you have a decaying roof and wish to upgrade it, make sure to go for solar shingles which will make your house exterior the talk of the town. On the other hand, if you are located in a particularly windy area, you may want to install wind turbines and slice your energy bills in half. Keep in mind, even though this may require some initial investment, it will definitely pay off in the long run. Most importantly, you can now apply for a unique financing program like California PACE program for your green home improvement projects. However, make sure to contact professionals and have PACE explained fully to you so that you can check your eligibility.

Tankless water heating systems

Water bills are getting higher every day because regular water heaters force us to use more water, and what’s worse, they simply don’t heat the water efficiently. Luckily, tankless water heating systems are not only super-effective at reducing your water consumption, but thanks to their sophisticated design they can warm it up almost instantly providing you with an enjoyable bathing experience. Lastly, they can be placed in almost any room in the home because they don’t take up a lot of space.

Energy Star rated appliances

We all know that the number one causes for high energy bills at the end of the month are power-hungry household appliances. Fortunately, by opting for Energy Star rated alternatives, you can earn thousands of dollars in savings and help preserve the environment. On top of that, the need for power plants to generate power for your personal purposes will be reduced along with your carbon footprint. More importantly, these appliances are made according to high-end standards so you can definitely expect them to perform way better than regular ones.

Invest in quality insulation

Today, the majority of homes have poorly installed insulation which causes homeowners to pay more for heating. For this reason, it’s recommendable to switch to green solutions like fibreglass or recycled denim which can be used as sheets for the entire home or as blown-in insulation for the roof. The best part about them is that they are extremely durable and produced without harmful chemicals like HBCD found in regular spray foam.

As you can see, it doesn’t take much to turn your old home into a chic, eco-friendly one. All you need to do is follow the above mentioned steps, apply for a loan and genuinely care for the environment. Good luck with your renovation project.

About the author:

Tracey Clayton is a full time mom of three girls. She’s passionate about fashion, home décor and healthy living. Her motto is: “Live the life you love, love the life you live.”